HighlightsSpot condors at Colca Canyon, conquer the Inca Trail on the way to Machu Picchu, experience traditional life on Lake Titicaca, cross the Uyuni Salt Flats and surrounding desert altiplano on a 4x4

DescriptionSouth America rewards those willing to explore. Consider this epic adventure: beginning in Buenos Aires and ending in Lima, its 35 full days of fun. Youll hike the Inca Trail, cross the Salt Flats of Bolivia by 4x4, and feel like a sophisticate sipping wine in Argentina. Along the way, youll engage with local cultures with a small group of other young travellers to back you up. For those willing to invest their time, this trip offers big returns-in adventure.

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Day 1 Buenos AiresArrive at any time. Included Activities: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

Day 2

Salta

Day 2 Buenos Aires/SaltaSalta, situated in the Lerma Valley of northern Argentina, is home to empanadas salteNas - a delicious local specialty. No visit to the town will be complete without giving them a try. In the evening, opt to experience a local celebration at one of the "PeNa" folklore shows. Transport: Plane (2.00 hour(s))

Day 3

Salta

Day 3 Salta (1B)Enjoy free time to explore the area. The scenic Quebrada de las Conchas and Cafayate, famed for its wine and vineyards, are recommended stops. The multi-coloured valleys in the foothills region of the Andes are sure to be a highlight.

Day 4

San Pedro de Atacama

Day 4 Salta/San Pedro de Atacama (1B)In the morning, take a bus further north to the dry desert regions of Argentina and Chile. Stop in the little town of San Pedro de Atacama, on the edge of the Atacama Desert, the driest place on earth. Included Activities: Border Crossing (Argentina - Chile) Transport: Local bus (10.00-11.00 hours)

Day 5

San Pedro de Atacama

Day 5 San Pedro de AtacamaOpt to try out sandboarding, go mountain biking, or visit the Valley of the Moon.

Day 6

Salar de Uyuni

Day 6 San Pedro de Atacama/Salar de Uyuni (1L, 1D)Groups like to get creative with photography, as the endless white of the salt flats creates some great depth illusions that are fun to play with in photos. Additional Notes: Note: During the rainy season the locations visited may change due to some routes being covered by water. We offer unique accommodation on the Uyuni Salt Flats. Instead of very basic refuges and homestays most operators use, we have upgraded to simple hotels that are equipped with solar panels to provide electricity and hot water. Rooms are multi-share and each has a private bathroom. Meals are made from local ingredients, most of which are grown on-site. Included Activities: Border Crossing (Chile - Bolivia) Salt Flats Excursion Transport: Local bus (1.50-2.50 hours) 4x4 (1.00 hour(s))

Day 7

Salar de Uyuni

Day 7 Salar de Uyuni (1B, 1L, 1D)Settle in to your G Adventures-supported salt-brick bungalow, complete with salt floors and furniture, after a guided walking tour up to the sacred Jukil mountaintop for sweeping valley views and a dinner of local ingredients prepared by ladies from the community. Included Activities: Salt Flats Excursion Jukil Community Experience & Lodge

Day 8

Uyuni

Day 8 Salar de Uyuni/Uyuni (1B)Rise early to cover more ground of the unique landscape of the Uyuni Salt Flats. Continue to see incredible scenery, including volcanoes, salt lakes and geysers. Included Activities: Salt Flats Excursion

Day 9

Potosi

Day 9 Salar de Uyuni/Potosi (1B)Travel north to visit one of the highest cities in the world. On arrival spot the looming mountain of Cerro Rico, a working silver mine. Transport: Private Vehicle (4.00 hour(s))

Day 10

Potosi

Day 10 Potosi (1B)Get out and explore Potosi and wander through the streets of the city.

Day 11

Sucre

Day 11 Potosi/Sucre (1B)Travel north to Sucre. Tackle the city as there is a lot to offer during our two days here. Optional activities include a visit to an old tin baron's mansion and a textile cooperative, mountain biking, and hiking. Transport: Private Vehicle (2.50 hour(s))

Day 12

Sucre

Day 12 Sucre (1B)Free time to explore the city, the former capital of Bolivia. For more active options opt to go hiking in the surrounding area or mountain biking.

Day 14 La PazWake up from the overnight bus ride, get settled, and have the day to check out the city of La Paz. Optional activities in La Paz include museum visits, a tour of the Valley of the Moon, or a visit to the world's highest ski resort, Chacaltaya (5600m/18,368 ft).

Day 15 La Paz (1B)Free day in La Paz. Opt to visit Iglesia de San Francisco, the Valley of the Moon, the Witches Market, or the nearby Tiahuanaco Ruins.

Day 16

Puno

Day 16 La Paz/Puno (1B)The drive around Lake Titicaca and through the Altiplano from La Paz to Peru is impressive. Included Activities: Border Crossing (Bolivia - Peru) Transport: Local bus (2.50 hour(s)) Local bus (3.50 hour(s))

Day 17

Lago Titicaca

Day 17 Puno/Lago Titicaca (1B, 1D)In the morning, board a boat on Lake Titicaca. Head to Taquile Island for lunch in a local restaurant and the chance for some shopping in the local weaving cooperatives. After, cruise to another village for an overnight homestay on the shores of the lake (the homestay location can vary based on community availability). This experience provides an opportunity to learn more about rural life in the Peruvian highlands and to participate in local traditions. Eat with the family, learn some Quecha and Spanish language skills, try on traditional costumes, and help out with daily chores around the village. Additional Notes: Split into smaller groups for the night and split into family homes to experience their style of living firsthand. Included Activities: Lake Titicaca Guided Boat Tour Day 1 Lake Titicaca Homestay Transport: Boat (3.00 hour(s))

Day 18

Puno

Day 18 Lago Titicaca/Puno (1B)Leave the homestay families late morning, and visit the Uros Islands on the way back to Puno. A popular optional activity in Puno is a visit to the spectacular chullpas (funerary towers) of Sillustani, a pre-Inca archaeological site only a short drive away. Included Activities: Lake Titicaca Guided Boat Tour Day 2

Day 19

Cusco

Day 19 Puno/Cusco (1B)Travel through the high Altiplano region to Cusco. Transport: Local bus (7.00 hour(s), 389km)

Day 20

Cusco

Day 20 Cusco (1B)Free time to explore Cusco. Opt for a city tour, or go whitewater rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking.

Day 21

Ollantaytambo

Day 21 Cusco/Ollantaytambo (1B)Ollantaytambo is a major Inca ruin site and your first taste of what lies ahead. For those craving more before they head out on the Trail, opt to take a Sacred Valley tour which includes not only Ollantaytambo and the ruin site of Pisac, but also a visit to a G Adventures-supported womens weaving co-op. Transport: Private Vehicle (2.50 hour(s), 95km)

Day 22

Inca Trail

Day 22 Inca Trail (1B, 1L, 1D)Trek through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata. Additional Notes: A crew of local porters, cooks, and guides will take care of all the details for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear so you'll only need to carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc. Included Activities: Inca Trail Hike Transport: Private Vehicle (0.75 hour(s))

Day 23

Inca Trail

Day 23 Inca Trail (1B, 1L, 1D)Start early to climb the long steep path to WarmiwaNusca, better known as Dead Woman's Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax. Included Activities: Inca Trail Hike

Day 24

Inca Trail

Day 24 Inca Trail (1B, 1L, 1D)Cross two more passes and ruins along the way. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through cloud forest on the gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley. At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the WiNay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft). Included Activities: Inca Trail Hike

Day 25

Cusco

Day 25 Machu Picchu/Cusco (1B)The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Wake up around 03:30 and walk to the checkpoint. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the site and free time to explore. Opt to visit the Inca Bridge, if time allows. Catch the bus to Aguas Calientes to meet any non-hiking members of your group. Eat and relax before your train back to Cusco in the afternoon. Included Activities: Inca Trail Hike Machu Picchu Guided Tour Big Night Out Transport: Train (1.50 hour(s), 118km) Private Vehicle (2.00 hour(s))

Day 26

Cusco

Day 26 Cusco (1B)Free day to explore Cusco or relax after the trek. If you are ready for more adventure, opt to go whitewater rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking.

Day 27

Arequipa

Day 27 Cusco/Arequipa (1B)Enjoy a final free day in Cusco before an overnight bus to Arequipa. Transport: Overnight bus (10.00 hour(s), 520km)

Day 28

Arequipa

Day 28 ArequipaThose with an interest in history and architecture may take an optional visit to the Convent of Santa Catalina, offering a brief respite from the outside world and a unique view into a bygone way of life. Other optional excursions include rafting and mountaineering. For spicy food lovers, checking out one of the "PicanterIas" is a must. Arequipa has a variety of regional food: alpaca, shrimp, pork, lots of soups, and spicy sauces.

Day 29

Colca Canyon

Day 29 Arequipa/Colca Canyon (1B)Enjoy an overnight excursion to the impressive Colca Canyon - one of the deepest canyons in the world. Stop in fascinating villages and at "miradors" (scenic lookouts), where, with a little luck, spot Andean condors soaring over the majestic Andes. Other unusual animals that may be spotted in the Andean landscape include three different species of camelids: alpaca, llama, and vicuNa. Included Activities: Colca Canyon Guided Tour Transport: Private Vehicle (4.50-5.00 hours, 165km)

Day 30

Arequipa

Day 30 Colca Canyon/Arequipa (1B)Get an early start to be on the look out for the condors flying. Travel from Chivay town to a condor viewpoint to admire these magnificent birds in the air. On the way back, stop by some local villages and viewpoints to see old terraces and sections of Colca Canyon, the deepest canyon in the world. Take a lunch break and return to Arequipa in the afternoon. Included Activities: Colca Canyon Guided Tour

Day 32 Nazca (1D)Travel north to one of the worlds greatest archaeological mysteries, the Nazca Lines. Very little can be seen from the ground. The best view is from a light aircraft, which can easily be arranged.

Day 33

Paracas

Day 33 Nazca/ParacasLeave Nazca and stop at the Huacachina Oasis for some optional sandboarding. Continue to visit an artisanal winery to sample some local pisco and wine. Paracas is located one hour further. Included Activities: Huacachina Oasis visit Huacachina Winery Visit Transport: Private Vehicle (3.00 hour(s), 140km) Private Vehicle (1.00 hour(s), 70km)

Day 34 Paracas/LimaOpt to visit the Ballestas Islands in the morning before travelling to Lima for a final night. Be sure to try some ceviche and a Pisco Sour. Transport: Local bus (4.00 hour(s), 250km) Minibus (0.50 hour(s))

Dossier Disclaimer:The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.